Three men from Springfield, two more from Holyoke have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking conspiracy. Federal Prosecutors say they conspired to distribute large amounts of crack cocaine throughout the region.
The five who were arrested are identified as:
1. Vicente Gonzalez, 41, of Springfield;
2. Brigham Ocasio-Rosario, 44, of Springfield;
3. Miguel Burgos, 45, of Holyoke;
4. Khristy Guzman, 37, of Holyoke; and
5. Willie Watkins, 42, of Springfield
“These defendants are alleged to have inundated Western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine – fueling violence and capitalizing on the devastating opioid and drug crises,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today, thanks to the exceptional work by a multitude of dedicated law enforcement agencies, this violent criminal enterprise has been brought to its knees. Our investigation demonstrates the strength of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement and the invaluable positive impact that work can have on safety in our communities. My office will continue to partner with law enforcement, medical experts and community organizations to reclaim our impacted neighborhoods.”
“Today’s arrests have dismantled a violent criminal enterprise headed by Vincente Gonzalez which we believe is responsible for flooding the streets of western Massachusetts with cocaine and crack cocaine while using firearms, force, and intimidation to protect their turf,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case is just one example of how the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force is working with our law enforcement partners to stop the senseless violence that is a blight on our neighborhoods, and to make them safer places to live and raise a family.”
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood stated, “I’d like to thank our federal partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI, our Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit and Warrant Apprehension Unit for their work in taking numerous illegal firearms and illicit drugs off the street in both Springfield and Holyoke Thursday morning. By sharing intelligence and having a dedicated Springfield Police Officer in the FBI Task Force we are able to work together across the region to combat senseless gun violence. The results of this Gang Task Force investigation puts a dent in the illegal drug trade across western Massachusetts and sends a clear message to the individuals possessing illegal firearms. We fully support and are thankful for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices’ efforts to address and reduce gun violence in our community.”
Today, investigators seized approximately 400 grams of cocaine, cocaine base, 12 firearms, ammunition, drug proceeds and drug packaging materials.
The five face up to 20 years in prison and a million dollar fine if they are convicted.
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images